Depending on your personal experience, you may be of the must-have-it or the take-it-or-leave-it camp when it comes to garbage disposals. However, if you have one or are considering getting one, there are some definite pros and cons of garbage disposals to be aware of. Our team at Solution Based Plumbing, Heating, and A/C has some tips to ensure that your garbage disposal experience is a good one.
In Life You Learn To Take The Good…
The garbage disposal was invented less than 100 years ago as one more in a line of inventions meant to make everyday life easier. So, does it actually simplify things? Or are we just accustomed to having it? There are a few definite pros when it comes to garbage disposals:
- Convenient Clean-up: What easier way to dispose of leftovers than to dump them down the drain? Simply scraping off the dishes and washing the gunk down the drain is a lot easier than creating a compost area, taking the trash out after every meal, or clogging up a regular sink.
- Clear Pipes: As homeowners without a disposal can attest, it can be challenging to keep food from clogging up pipes even with a mesh strainer in place. A garbage disposal allows you to minimize clogs.
However, there is always a flip side to any issue, and garbage disposals are no exception.
… With The Bad
- Limited Lifespan: Like any other household appliance, proper maintenance and usage will ensure that your garbage disposal lasts for a long time. Even so, your garbage disposal will eventually go caput, even if well-cared for.
- Stinky Stenches: Despite your best efforts, you’ll find that unpleasant odors may find their way out of your garbage disposal. This stems from ground-up food particles that do not fully disappear down the drain but instead stay stuck in the appliance itself.
Professional Tips Regarding the Pros and Cons of Garbage Disposals
There are some simple ways to maximize the benefits of your garbage disposal.
- ALWAYS be sure that the food you’re disposing of is soft and/or small enough not to jam the mechanics of your garbage disposal. Also, keep it clean; you can do this by cleaning regularly with a mixture of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water. You can even keep the blades sharp by grinding a couple of cups of ice cubes on a weekly basis.
- NEVER put anything that’s too fibrous, grainy, or hard down the drain. This includes items such as fruit and vegetable peels, bones, uncooked rice, and coffee grounds. Grease of any kind is also a no-no for any drain because it will clog your pipes.
Whether you’ve decided you want to install a new garbage disposal or you’d like some preventative maintenance, we’re happy to help. Solution Based Plumbing, Heating, and A/C is your go-to local expert team for keeping your home in tip-top shape. Contact us today to speak to our team!